Category: Fruit of the Spirit

The Cost of Empty Worship: A Devotional Insight

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, Fruit of the Spirit, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, January 9, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from The Voice (VOICE) and found in Jeremiah 6:19-20

THE SCRIPTURE READS
19 Listen, O Earth, for I am bringing this disaster upon Judah. This is the fruit of their own scheming. For My people would not listen to My instructions; They have rejected My guidance—My law—to go their own way. Many people in Judah keep going through the motions of worship; they offer sacrifices and incense to the one True God. They speak superficial words when they think it counts, and they give Him extravagant gifts. But the prophet knows the mind of God, and God is not impressed with any of it. Empty worship is meaningless. In fact, empty worship may do more harm than good. These gifts and actions, it seems, have no meaning unless the hearts of the people are attuned to God, unless they are willing to hear and do what God asks. Obedience, you see, is better than sacrifice.
20 What use do I have of your expensive incense from Sheba or the fragrant reeds you offer Me from a faraway land? I will not accept your burnt offerings; the aroma of these empty sacrifices does not please Me.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
From our current day churches, much is taught about the fruits of the Spirit, and it is exciting for parishioners to gloat in the joy of what God has promised to those who follow in His footsteps and His teachings. But I feel like the Holy Spirit really got my attention today as I read this scripture from the book of Jeremiah. For God, in working through His servant Jeremiah, chose to use a similar reference in ‘the fruit of their scheming‘. Now, Christian teachers and leaders might skip right over this, for we tend to try and find the positive things of the Bible to attract the attention of our hearers. But it is refreshing to be reminded today that God looks at our heart, so He knows our intent, and our reasoning for offering up our sacrifices to Him. From a loving Father, it is important that He teaches us the rewards of our obedience, but also teach us the costs of our wrongdoing, or disobedience. Yes, today we still offer up sacrifices in hopes of the Father giving is a pat-on-the-back. Here are a few ways that we may feel like we are sacrificing: our church attendance; our worship; carrying our Bible with us, especially in public places; the offerings that we give towards the work of the church; the cross that we wear on our lapel or necklace; the jobs that we accept at church; etc. etc. However, let’s keep these things in mind as we look at the things that God is impressed with, and that the prophet emphasized in today’s Scripture:
–> That our hearts be attuned to God – From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. That’s the first thing that comes to my mind! Is it evident from what we say that our words are influenced by our Lord? When our hearts are attuned to God, we want more of Him and we lean towards seeking His will and way in everything we do. Would God find us ‘guilty’ of having a heart that is attuned to Him?
–> We are willing to hear (the Word of God – His teachings) – A heart that is attuned to God will desire to hear what He has to say each day. This will lead to frequent self-examinations as the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to the things that we are aligned with God’s Word on, plus the things we are lacking, or on which we have chosen to let the world have its way with us.
–> We are willing to, (and make every effort to) obey what God asks – We are reminded of the things we tend to do our own way. For the child of God who is attuned to God and willing to hear the voice of God, we must also be obedient to the Word, for obedience is better than sacrifice.
–> We acknowledge and live out true obedience to Almighty God, rather than the material things we might offer up to Him – On one occasion, I had a good friend who tried to convince me that he was sure God would accept his dad into heaven, for he was a good and honorable man who loved to help others. We might know a close relative who fits that same bill. Please be sure that your assessment of one’s life is always based on their obedience to God, and not just on their outward actions. Although I must remind you that it is way more important to look inward before looking outward at anyone else. It truly frightens me when I hear friends speak of their deceased loved one now being in heaven, especially if I am aware of the life they lived here on earth. But this Scripture is specifically wanting us to know the facts of what God is looking for in us. That’s really the only person that we can do anything about. Am I so caught up in the world, that I choose to live my life like the world promotes, or am I willing to change the trajectory of my life to ensure the eternal destiny of my life in heaven one day? This is primarily achieved thru accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and surrendering lordship of your life over to Him. Join me dear friends in reading our Bibles daily, and commune with God in prayer and meditation regularly so that we can know, fully understand and obey the teachings and example of Jesus, our King!

PRAYER
Thank You Lord Jesus for the Word of God and for the truth that it contains to direct us in our earthly path as we strive for eternity in Heaven. It never fails to amaze me how You, our Father and God, cover every aspect of life in Your Word. Especially in today’s Scripture where You challenge us to think of the fruit of our uncommitted allegiance to You and Your teaching. In most cases our decision making is driven by not wanting to follow the law, especially Your laws, so we try to find ways to do certain things that will look like we are obeying, but yet we do it in our own way and, if closely examined, You might really count it as disobedience. You know us better than we know ourselves, Lord, so please continue to lead us in the way that we should go and remind us always of the teachings and laws You have commanded of us in Your Word. People still need the Lord, and I pray that they will see so much of You in us, that they will call on Your name for mercy and forgiveness of their sin. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. I would also suggest that you speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com and share your good news! Perhaps one of God’s servants will pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that, while also growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Saying The Right Thing

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Fruit of the Spirit, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Thursday, 2022-12-29
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 6:44-45
TRANSLATION: New International Version (NIV)

BIBLE TEXT: 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

APPLICATION: In the technical arena we tend to say about the quality of computer data: ‘garbage in, garbage out’! I believe that children and adults are the same way, for if your child is given the opportunity at a very young age to hear calm and satisfying reading, quality teachings and people around them that care about, and love them, then I believe that they will have a chance at success in their personal lives, and their education – that often leads to success in their relationships, their workplace and their circle of friends. Jesus knew that His children would be easily swayed by Satan and that it may often come through the friends we make that load up our ‘bucket’ (heart) with hatred, revenge and paybacks that are not pleasing to our Father, nor does it conform with His teachings. I believe that today we are challenged by our Father to consider a few things:
1. Based of the fruit others see, what type of tree will the world identify us as? Will they find enough evidence to convict us of being aligned with our Master and Lord – a Christian?
2. If our bucket (heart) is filled with the teachings of Christ and looks like the example He set for us, will our fruit, or our character show such things as love – even to those who refuse to love us? Will they see mercy, even if we feel deep inside that the person doesn’t deserve it? Will they see grace, because they see our humility and forgiveness even towards those who aim at showing us up, or attempting to destroy our character?
Dear friends, I am prompted to look closer at what I fill my heart with each day, and I would sincerely suggest that you do the same. For, from that input, we are filling our hearts with values that we will draw from in our speech, our attitude and our actions. Jesus wants us to look like, act like and speak like Him so that the unsaved will see evidence of His existence in our lives. If you fall short in achieving this ideal, then you may need to join me in seeking God’s help – daily. We all have a purpose here on earth. May our purpose always be so surrendered to Jesus Christ, that He will ensure that the world sees Jesus, and not the old person we used to be.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God knows how unfaithful we are in filling our heart with His love and instruction each day, yet He is patient in working on us to change our ways and commit ourselves to Him more fully. Praise God for our loving Savior – the One that we serve!

PRAYER: Lord, I pray that first and foremost we will be recognized by our Father as one of His own. Help us to never grow so stagnant in our faith that the world loses sight of who You are. Please teach us daily to depend on You – as a constant reminder of how important you are to us and how we can’t live a day without You. May You become such a valued presence in our lives that it will be virtually impossible to look on us without seeing the work of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. Some may never enter the church doors, but as the church operates in the world, may it be evident to the unsaved that the Holy Spirit is at work within us, drawing the lost to its Shepherd – the Great I Am – the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. All glory to You dear Lord, today and always! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

A Lifestyle Change

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Eternal Life, Fruit of the Spirit, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Victorious Life, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Wednesday, 2022-06-22
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 3:7-9 
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: John the Baptist: You bunch of venomous snakes! Who told you that you could escape God’s coming wrath? 8 Don’t just talk of turning to God; you’d better bear the authentic fruit of a changed life. Don’t take pride in your religious heritage, saying, “We have Abraham for our father!” Listen—God could turn these rocks into children of Abraham! 9 God wants you to bear fruit! If you don’t produce good fruit, then you’ll be chopped down like a fruitless tree and made into firewood. God’s ax is taking aim and ready to swing!

APPLICATION: Have you ever been in a store, or at work, or at the mall, and found yourself near enough to overhear an individual tearing another employee apart verbally? Then, as you drew near enough to the heated conversation, you saw that it was someone from your church? I know, church attendees are human, and they could still become agitated, frustrated, unhappy and upset over certain circumstances just like everyone else, right? So why then do you suppose that John addressed this problem, and why would God have instilled this in the heart of Dr. Luke to present this as part of the Gospel? I believe it all goes back to a phrase that became very popular some years ago ‘what would Jesus do’ (WWJD). For circumstances will present itself as a test so the world could see what we are made of. In this teaching today, we could see that Luke used a similar tactic to that of Jesus, where he demonstrated a truth to the religious leaders through a parable. He likened their lives to that of a tree that bears fruit. For a farmer will cut down a tree that bears no fruit, so that the fruit bearing trees might flourish. But how would this apply to people, you might ask. I believe that you would be upset if a child for whom you paid years and years of tuition fees to gain their medical degree, finished school, and did nothing more than hang around the house without a desire to work in his/her profession. They may have a medical degree, but if they refuse to work in that profession and keep up with their trade, are they really a doctor? The same example holds true when looking at a married person who refuses to sleep at home, take care of their spouse, and continue to flirt with everyone walking into a nightclub. So what about one who felt a nudge from the Master, and surrenders their life to the lordship of Jesus Christ? The Bible says that the Holy Spirit then resides inside that individual and leads them in a life dedicated to God’s commands, His teachings, His example as told in the Bible, and they will therefore operate in accordance with God’s will, and His direction for their life. When all of this is in place and the individual decides to ignore the Holy Spirit’s leadership and do his/her own thing, how do you think God must feel? Don’t you know that these Pharisee Leaders showed up for no other reason but to trap John, poke fun of his teaching and baptism, and retain the allegiance of their people? Don’t you think that John was probably spot on with his accusation of them being a brood of vipers? Friends, I believe that our take away today is that we must be true to what we claim as our life’s influencer. If this is Jesus Christ, then others will see ‘fruit’ in our actions, our priorities, our words of encouragement, our prayers, the books we read, the places we frequent, and the results of all these things will impact our outlook on life and the love we show towards others. At the time of conversion to our new Master, we will learn to stay in tune with Him through reading His Word; communicating with Him through conversation (prayer); and through a solid commitment to honor Him through our words and actions. If there is no lifestyle change, can we truly prove to Jesus and to our family and friends that there has been a change in our lives? These new changes are displayed as proof, or ‘fruit’, of our lifestyle change. In our new relationship with Jesus Christ, we have chosen to imitate Him! When this happens, the world will know that we are authentic in our Christianity, and John sensed that this was not the case with the Pharisees. If God is your Lord, your Savior, and your Master my friend, seek His help and He will also be your Guide and your Deliverer in every circumstance of life! And there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that you and God can’t do!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, please touch Your children today and help us to never take for granted all that You did so that we might have life everlasting. Oh that we may take our commitment seriously to give you FULL control of our lives, and that we may be obedient in every way to Your Word – Your Book of Instructions for the Christian. As we follow You, I believe that our lives will reflect the very image of Jesus – fruit (evidence) that the world will see, know and appreciate in our lifestyle change. But we need You to do this in our lives Lord, for in and of ourselves we are helpless in overcoming the evil that’s all around us. I know You can, and I believe You will, so I thank You in advance dear Jesus. Be glorified today because of Your committed children being obedient to You, Your Word and the Holy Spirit.  AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Government Leaders = God’s Servants – Obey Them

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Disciple, Faith, Follow Jesus, Fruit of the Spirit, God Reigns, Holy Spirit, Imitator of Christ, Listen to the Word of God, Obedience, Obedient, Pleasing to God, Reflecting Christ, Servants of God, TrustLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2020-04-15
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Romans 13:1-2; 4
Translation: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: All of you must obey the government rulers. Everyone who rules was given the power to rule by God. And all those who rule now were given that power by God. 2 So anyone who is against the government is really against something God has commanded. Those who are against the government bring punishment on themselves…. 4 Rulers are God’s servants to help you. But if you do wrong, you have reason to be afraid. They have the power to punish, and they will use it. They are God’s servants to punish those who do wrong. 

OBSERVATION: As we read through God’s Word, there will be times where we will come across passages where God speaks to our heart, but its a subject that is so sensitive that we would rather not teach or preach about it. Over the years I have found that I must be obedient to God first and foremost. So if God speaks to me through His Word, then I feel compelled to share it with you, from a heart that was blessed by God. We don’t always like what the Bible is teaching us, but for the child of God, we know that it’s something that God finds worthy of impressing upon our hearts and minds for our own good. Meditate with me on this whole chapter and see what God impresses upon you, won’t you?

APPLICATION: Most challenging Scripture verses for us to follow, because we tend to look at the corruption and evil that goes on in government, and the laws that are put in place that, often times seem to really hurt Christians. It is obvious from the first 6 verses in Romans 13 that Paul encountered Christian brothers and sisters who thought very much the same as the way we tend to think today. I believe that anytime a law is instituted that works against our bottom line, we tend to send ‘hate vibes’ towards our senators, or authorities who had anything to do with the new law. In fact, at re-election time we have the availability to look into a candidate’s record and see exactly how they voted on certain items. Not a bad idea, but it also helps to build a wall of hatred and/or disrespect towards that person. I believe what Paul is teaching here actually goes very deep, because I believe he is telling us that if we are doing everything above board, then we have nothing to fear of our government leaders. I also believe that if we follow other Biblical references to pray for God’s direction as we vote, and yes Christians you must lead the pact in going out to vote, then our prayer, in faith, will play a part in having God’s man/woman elected. Further, I believe that if we had to publicly pray for our elected officials more than we complain about them, then perhaps they will tend to lean more on God for understanding, wisdom and right choices, and God will intervene in their decision making and guide them into right decisions that will be pleasing to Him. Bottom line is that our officials are in place as God’s representatives/servants for our good (vs 4), and we are to obey them and support them so that God’s work might be accomplished through them. Friends remember, our initial instructions come from God, so our obedience, respect and prayerful support towards our leaders is a sign of obedience to God. Key points – prayer before voting; prayer while these folk are in power, as God’s servants, and our leaders; then follow in obedience and support of those servants of God for whom we are praying daily. Let’s get before God in prayer and ask Him to tender our hearts so that we can be obedient to Him in all things, and all those who are in authority over us.

PRAYER: Lord, this is very challenging for us, so I humbly ask You to help us to get out of the ‘driver’s seat’ and allow You to control our government leaders/Your servants in place for our good. To do this I must first personally ask that You help me to totally surrender to You as my authority, because when I try to do your job I am showing lack of faith and trust in You. Please forgive me for that, and build my faith to a level where I can trust You in ALL things. Lord. I am embarrassed by some of the comments I hear from other Christian leaders about Your servants, please speak to these friends and co-laborers in Your work here on earth and help us all to submit to Your authority and will for our every concern, especially our government leaders. I must acknowledge that You are God over ALL things in our lives, not just the pieces that go our way and seem to benefit us personally. Please remind us of that when we tend to question those in authority. Needing Your help in such a powerful way, I humbly ask this in Your holy and most worthy name, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Transformed Relationships

On By Ed AlgreenIn Born Again, Christian, Encourage, Example of Christ, Forgiveness, Fruit of the Spirit, Genuine example of Jesus, Getting Along, Godly example, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Humility, Imitator of Christ, Love, Love your Neighbor, ObedienceLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2020-04-14
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Romans 12:9-12
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 9 Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous. 10 Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. 11 Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him.
12 Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble,[e] but commune with God at all times.

OBSERVATION: Often times we will read about ways to, and often we are encouraged to, transform our lives into one that aligns with the will of God and in obedience of the Holy Spirit. Paul encourages us to meditate also on how these transformed lives will look to those that we connect with and call our friends. Perhaps you might be willing to join me in looking deeply into our personal relationships with others, and whether there is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work within us as we fellowship with each other. Paul gives great guidance to us, so let’s dig in…

APPLICATION: Often times we struggle in relationships, both with family members and with friends. For there is jealousy between one another and envy and hard feelings that could quickly result, in fact, to the extent that we can’t stand to be in each other’s presence. Coworkers tend to be so competitive to reach for the top, or earn more commissions and/or recognition, so they step right over another employee, and may even do certain things to prevent that coworker from doing their best. Church members want to be in charge, or favored by the pastor, or perhaps they just can’t have their own way, so we see churches split or families leave the church and move on to another. I wonder if the result would be any different if we were to follow the advice of Paul in these two verses? Friends, Christians are to be deep into the Word at every opportunity, but not less frequently than daily, looking over God’s instructions to be sure that we live and love like Him. You see, God’s Word contains our template for love, it tells us about our Role Model, Jesus Christ. Our responsibility according to the Word, is to go and minister to the world so that all may know Jesus. Don’t you know that we are actually teaching them our evil ways when we act like the world, or like the above examples? Remember, our actions speak so loud that others will rarely hear what we are saying to them. I believe Paul is saying that we are not to be hypocritical. If we claim Jesus as Lord, then we are to live like Him and seek to squash all evil thoughts that Satan will buffet us with. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we will seek to act like Jesus. and in no way follow the path of least resistance that are led by Satan – whose aim is to kill, steal and destroy the work of God. Friends, Jesus is coming soon and we must live with that in mind. Don’t dare live like the devil and think you’ll have time to seek forgiveness when you hear that Jesus is coming down the street. The Bible says that we must live in a state of readiness, because Jesus in no way needs our permission that the coast is clear for Him to come and gather His bride (the church – us). This means that we are to live and love like Jesus demands of us today. Don’t delay, please?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, the creator of love, the One who showed ultimate love, please forgive me for making a mockery of living and loving like You exampled for me. You showed me how to live, and I have totally blown it. Thank You for Your servant Paul, who has reminded us that we need to live and love in ways that others might recognize as an imitation of God. This is impossible to achieve, as long as we continue to give in to the ways of this world. Father, please give my readers and I strength to be true victors in living our lives according to the model You displayed. Please help us to stay so in tuned with Your Word that it will not only impact the words from our lips, but the desires of our heart and the actions of our whole being. Lord, sadly, we must confess that we have ‘Christian’ family and friends that are living in sin, because they are acting just like Satan, and in similar ways to the above examples given. Please use this devotional today to speak to the hearts of those claiming You as Lord. Please also speak to those who have not yet accepted You as Lord, for today is the day of salvation, and there is no better time than today for them to seek Your power and Your strength so that they too might live and love like You. Lord, this old world is getting in extremely poor shape morally, for folk are becoming more and more hardened to their sin. Please, I beg You, do a mighty work in Your people today. Begin with us, Christians. Get us straight first, so that we may be Your hands and Your feet on the ground seeking to impact the lives of those that don’t know You. These things I ask humbly in Your precious name and for Your sake, AMEN!

Fruit and More Fruit

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Fruit of the Spirit, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Vine, WorshipLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-11-23

Bible Reference: John 15:1-2
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text: I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. 2 Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.

OBSERVATION: This is a passage that most have either read many times before, or have heard preached about. But I trust that, like me, your eyes might be opened to new truths as we meditate on the living Word of God again today. I was especially touched by the way that the Amplified Bible clarified some of the text, in parenthesis. Ask God to open your eyes, and your heart as we seek His guidance on this day.

APPLICATION: As God got my attention on this familiar Scripture today, I believe He pointed out the various conditions of natural man:
1). Down in verse 5, Jesus refers to the man who is apart from Him, and He said that such a man could do nothing. I am very troubled when I hear the unsaved tell a friend who is in trouble that they will pray for him/her. Without looking down my pious nose, I am thrilled that the idea of prayer before a holy and righteous God might be appealing on behalf of a friend, but please be careful in doing this while totally ignoring that same God in your own personal life. I am definitely not God, so I have no idea how God must handle requests like that, but humbly I would suggest to my friends that might be reading this blog today to please honor my God by respecting His holiness and therefore ask that He cleanse you personally before you consider asking Him for something on behalf of your friends. I don’t believe that this is an unreasonable request dear friend, because even to your parents would not afford the same privileges or recognition to strangers walking up to their door, like they did for you and your siblings;
2). In verse 2, Jesus tells us about the one who distances themselves from Him and stops displaying the character of God, and who no longer displays the fruit of the Spirit, as taught about earlier in His Word. To this believer, Jesus said that He would trim that branch off from the tree. Does that sound severe dear friend? What would you do when a spouse who lives in your home, yet dates someone else and spends more time with them than you? They have no respect for you or your home? Would you trim that individual off from your home? Do they really care about you or your home?
3). To the one who is honestly and sincerely displaying the fruit of the Spirit, I was excited that Jesus taught that He would seek to make this one even more fruitful! However, note that He said that He would still do some trimming and pruning, so that we might become even more fruitful. What does this mean? I believe it means that God will trim away those bad habits that we may have developed from the company we’ve kept, or the laxity that is trying to overcome us in not wanting to be around God’s kids as often as before, or perhaps distancing ourselves from those who need Jesus. Friends, when we think about being a saint, or a child of the one true God, and we therefore endeavor to act, speak and work like Jesus did, don’t you think that there might always be some rough edges that requires the miraculous hand of God to cleanse and redirect? I often feel powerless to overcome these inconsistencies, and I’m sure that you might also be the same. Oh for a closer walk with my Lord each and every day, is my humble plea. Think about what you may need of God today my friend!

PRAYER: Dear God, I pray that this devotional will reach the hearts of many, and that each will fit in one of the three categories that, I feel, you covered in Your Word that I studied today. Thank You for speaking to my heart as I read, and as I shared in my thoughts while writing this devotional. I believe that You desire representatives here on earth that need more of You in their lives each day. Please fill us anew, so that we may introduce or remind others of who you are. With great anticipation, we look forward to one day being at Your feet, with all our friends and family kneeling next to us! Oh what a glorious day that will be! AMEN!

Proof, No Proof

On By Ed AlgreenIn Fruit of the Spirit, Proof-positive, Proven, Repentance, SalvationLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-01-05

Bible Reference: Matthew 3:8, 10
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text: 8 So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin]; ……. 10 And already the axe [of God’s judgment] is [gswinging toward the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

OBSERVATION: I was reminded of a television show – ‘Deal, No Deal’ as I meditated on these verses today. I know, don’t mix television with the precious Word of God, right? But Paul was so infuriated by the boldness of the Pharisees and Sadducees to show up at the river for baptism, that he took time to warn them of what a saved life looks like, vs one that is not. We should never have to tell anyone that we’re saved – it should be evident in our lives.

APPLICATION: In our Scripture today, Matthew relates that John the Baptist had been baptizing a lot of people. So one could only imagine that if they had not been baptized, then something must really be wrong with them. In the case of the religious leaders, John could tell that, to the crowd, they could easily have passed as ‘worthy of baptism’ because of their kinship to Abraham. However friends, is this not a good reminder for us? Some church attendees might tell you that their father was a pastor back in some church many years ago, so they are sure that they have a reserved place in heaven. Some might point to their regular attendance at your church for several decades, and all of the money that they gave for certain projects, so surely they are right ‘up there’ with the best of saints in your church. But the interesting thing that John points out to the religious leaders is that a repentant heart is what really matters. Some of you might wonder what exactly that would consist of, but I believe that this particular version of the Bible spells that out for you, for a repentant heart demonstrates a new behavior – meaning that it’s different to the behavior you once demonstrated in your life. Now your new behavior clearly comes from a heart that has been impacted and changed by its original designer and maker, Jesus Christ! Further, this changed heart will also show evidence of a conscious decision to stay away from sin. This includes your efforts to stay away from the people and places that once caused you to sin. Persistent study of God’s Word is critical, so that you could have a clear message from Him about what He consider ‘sin’, even though it might look like holiness to others. These changed attitudes, actions, thoughts and words are called ‘fruit’ by John, because He wanted us to understand that a tree, or a heart, built on the good things of Christ, will produce fruit/actions/words/attitudes that resemble the One who is feeding your tree/heart. Therefore, when there is no evidence that you are allowing God to ‘feed’ you, John declared that you will not survive, or reach eternity with Christ. Friends, as we live out everything that God has buried deep into our hearts, He will receive glory from those blessed by those ‘fruit’ that we produce. When we are merely following the crowd, or living a life of traditional church attendance, or imitating what other Christians do, and we have not sought personal forgiveness from God, and received a repentant, or changed heart – one just like His, then like the Pharisees and Sadducees, we are living on a slippery slope – one that can only lead all the way down to Hell. A New Year is a perfect time to seek a new heart – a repentant and changed heart that reflects the Master who you’ve invited to be your Lord. Please consider reading on to the Footnote for more information on how you might go about this transformation. Perhaps 2019 might be the year that you might seek baptism – a genuine one that celebrates a truly repentant heart!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for salvation, and thank You for the message expressed through baptism. Please touch the hearts of all those that will read this devotional, especially those who imitate a Christian life, but have not accepted the One who gives a repentant heart so that we might take on His attributes and bear His fruit. True Christianity comes from a repentant heart, one filled with Jesus Christ. Bearing ‘fruit’, can only happen if the True Vine (Jesus) has taken up residence inside of us. Lord, for each reader today, I pray that it may be so. AMEN!

How Would One Describe You?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelize, Fruit of the SpiritLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2016-08-10

Scripture

Bible Reference: 1 Thessalonians 1:8–10

Bible Text: 8 And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, 9 for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. 10 And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I’ve heard people referred to as: ‘That grumpy old man’; ‘That such a sweet old lady’; ‘He is a no-nonsense man’; ‘She has the sweetest smile’; ‘He is a true man of God’; and lots of other such phrases. I’ve heard churches referred to as: ‘All they’re after is your money’; ‘They’re all noise, but no action’; ‘They are the holier-than-thou crowd’; ‘They just can’t identify with the people who live all around them’; etc. I’m sure you can add many other things that you have heard also, but I believe that I have made my point. When last have you heard someone, especially an unsaved person without a vested interest in the person or the church, describe them using similar terms as Paul heard in his contacts about his friends at Thessalonica? When last have you been able to describe a person or a church as being in the very likeness of Jesus Christ, and anxious for His return? What would we need to change in our own lives to make sure that the world sees Jesus in our words and in our actions? The ‘church’ is an accumulation of ‘us’ friends, so anytime we can’t refer to the church in very positive, Godly terms, then we are acknowledging that we need the hand of God more actively involved in our lives. Are you there yet friends? Are you ready to lay aside the pride; greed; prejudice and selfish desires; so that God might truly begin a good work in you? I am convinced that when we humble ourselves and let God be God, then He will work in the lives that we touch, and He may even feel at home doing this through His servants like you and I. Wouldn’t that be glorious to see God take full control of our lives and full control of our churches! Wouldn’t that be something like a small coal that burns so intensely that it heats up and ignites a fire in everything around it! Perhaps then our communities and our cities and our state might recognize the church as being an extension of the hand of God! I really want to see that happen, and I want to be a part of it! How about you friend?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for working a miracle in my life by helping me to look beyond the appeal of this world, to the greater appeal of eternity in heaven with my Creator and Lord. Many reading this blog today have also accepted Your gift of salvation and are in the same boat as I am. After reading these verses today, I am not totally convinced that our lives are a true, honest reflection of You though, so I want to plead with You to continue working on us until You see total dedication to the ways of God, so that we might be beacons in our community of the greatest and brightest Light, the Light of the world, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, I want the unsaved to look on us and see nothing but Jesus. May they see it so brightly that their hearts will be stirred towards accepting You as their Lord also. May You be honored through us today, and known because of our interaction with someone today. For I ask these things all for Your glory, honor and praise, AMEN!

Footnote

If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Reasons Why The ‘World’ Don’t See Jesus

On By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Follow Jesus, Fruit of the Spirit, Imitator of Christ, Obedience, Pleasing to GodLeave a comment

The Bible – New Living Translation

1 Corinthians 3:3

3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?

Thoughts:

Sometimes I look around at failing churches and I wonder, Why? Sometimes I see our pastors stressed out and I wonder, Why? And then sometimes I look at regular church attendees who suddenly stop coming to church, and I wonder, Why? God used this passage of scripture this morning to open my eyes to the reasons why, and it’s written in plain English right within the content of these verses for us to see. When we act in any of the above ways, it proves that:
          *   We are still controlled by our sinful nature;
          *   We are often jealous of one another and quarrel with each other; and
          *   We are still living like people of the world.
Now before our pride kicks in, and we get our noses too high in the air and begin thanking God for helping us to not be like that described above, I want to suggest that we invite God to dig deep into our inner selves and allow Him to open our hearts and our minds so that there will be no misgivings about our spiritual well being. You see, we are all a long ways away from the ideals established for us by Jesus himself. No matter how godly we may think we are, we must still seek God’s mercy and His constant eye on us, constantly guiding us and giving us wisdom to always respond to things outside of the ‘norm’ established in this world, in fact, we need to constantly respond the way that Jesus did, or the way that we discern from His Word that He would want us to respond. Friends, this will require us being in constant communication with God. I’m afraid that most of us are so full of this world that our only response will naturally look like a ‘worldly’ response. Conversely, if we would fill ourselves with Jesus Christ and His teachings, we would be more apt to respond like He would. Where do you stand Brother? Do You truly fill yourself with the knowledge and teachings of Jesus Christ, sister, so that your normal, quick, right-out-of-the-box response would be one that Jesus is pleased with? If I might suggest, let us humble ourselves before Christ and allow Him to use and lead us to speak and act like Him in our every day dealings with others. Let’s learn to be so filled with the Spirit of God that His character might spill over into all that we are and all that we say.

Prayer:

Father, may the church be the church. I pray that when Christians are encountered by the ‘world’ that they will immediately see the difference in us and not a hypercritical view of Christendom. The ‘world’ truly needs You Lord Jesus, please help us to not be a stumbling block to their needs being met by You. I humbly ask this in Your precious and holy name dear Lord, AMEN!

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

 

Be Completely United

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Faith, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, Fruit of the Spirit, Getting Along, God our Helper, Helper, Holy Spirit, Imitator of Christ, Love your Neighbor, Marriage, Our Help comes from God, Pleasing to God, Power, Reaching the Lost, Reflecting Christ, Stregth, Surrender, WitnessingLeave a comment

The Bible – The Good news Translation

1 Corinthians 1:10

10 By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my brothers and sisters, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose.

Thoughts:

I bet that as you read the above verse you may have thought that it was something that I came up with concerning your church, or perhaps telling you gossip from my church, right? I agree with you friends, however this is obviously one of those verses that Christians today throw over their shoulders and let it go on to apply to the church on the next block for whom it was truly written!! In our secular jobs we often remark that the most challenging part of our job is dealing with the people/staff. I would imagine that for our pastors the most challenging part of leading a small, or a large church is the same – dealing with the folk who cause upheaval that could quickly lead to division. Paul addressed two important areas that we should consider as we think about what we might do to prevent division:

  1. To agree in what you say – I believe that if we did like one pastor suggested when he said “Let the main thing be the main thing” then we would quickly refocus our minds, and subsequently our conversation, to the mighty works of God among the congregation; the Word of God that speaks to us in powerful ways today, as it did in the days we read about in the Word; the blessings that God has bestowed on us instead of the small aches and pains that we might feel; the great teachers that God has provided to share knowledge with us instead of the small insignificant, humanly faults they may have; and the heartfelt desire to see our family members saved; and
  2. Be completely united – Do you know what happens in marriages when a husband and wife cannot be completely united in one thought and purpose? Don’t you imagine that the same thing would happen if we bring that type of behavior into the church? Independent thinking is important friend, but in a heart of compassion and love and caring about the good of others, we must learn to be understanding, appreciative and patient in what others have to say also. We are not all at the same maturity level, so sometimes we will find that someone else may have a different idea about a topic than we do. They may not be wrong – in fact they may be trying to say the same things as you are saying, just using different terminology. We must learn to not only talk, but also to listen, and try to appreciate the heart of the person speaking.

I heard a preacher approach this subject recently and he advised that should a third party be brought up in a conversation you are having with another church member, stop the conversation until such time that the other party could join you in the conversation! Great advice to avoid the issues that Paul was addressing with the Corinthian church, and to help with the unity of our churches today! These are tips on how we can help keep unity in our church today, are you willing to do your part friend? Let’s ask God for the strength to do His will, even in our relationships with others who should know better!

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your patience with Your people as we try to get along here on this earth and live in such a way that we would be a witness of You to our lost family and friends. Lord, please remind us often that we will never impact the lost when we act just like them. If we are different, and if we belong to the King of Love, the King of compassion and the King of all Kings then it is time for us to leave the things of this world behind and center our hearts and minds on You, and not our personal desires and selfish ways. More of You in this old world will force out the ways of Satan that has become so prevalent, even among Christians. Please have Your will in my life dear Lord, and may my friends also see the need for a similar prayer today, is my humble plea, that I ask in the precious name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, AMEN!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.